Brazil focus

By E&T editorial staff

Published Monday, October 19, 2009

When world leaders meet in Copenhagen in December to thrash out the replacement for the Kyoto Protocol, the actions of emerging nations are seen as key to its success. In the first part of our extensive coverage before the summit, we focus on Brazil.

Brazil's National Plan on Climate Change (PNMC) was developed by the country's Inter-ministerial Committee on Climate Change (CIM) in December 2008.

Stated objectives

To identify, plan, and coordinate the actions and measures that can be taken to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Brazil, as well as those necessary for the adaptation of society to the impacts of climate change.

Process for development

President Luiz Inacio LULA da Silva initiated PNMC in April 2007 on the recommendation of the Ministry of Environment and Brazilian Forum on Climate Change. In November 2007, the President appointed CIM to oversee the plan. CIM surveyed ministries to identify actions that could be incorporated and solicited input through a stakeholder consultation process. Initial version released September 2008; criticised for lack of clear goals.

GHG emissions scenario framing plan

Cites the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as scientific consensus that anthropogenic climate change is occurring. Presents national emissions data from 1994. States that Brazil has contributed little to the problem. Brazil will not wait for others to act to mitigate climate change, and characterises its actions as ambitious relative to others.